Cool Hunting

Perhaps this holiday season more than ever, it's a crucial time to think of others. One of the charities getting the CH seal of approval is Goods for Good, an organization whose mission is to send excess goods from America to orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. There are a few ways to help out but if you're in NYC on 8 December 2008, there's no better (or more fun) way to support the cause than by attending Goods for Good's holiday party, Gala for Good, at City Winery.

The event not only provides an opportunity to learn more about the non-profit but guests will enjoy mingling at an open bar, perusing a photography exhibit, dancing to DJ Chroma and nibbling on African food catered by renowned Brooklyn restaurant Madiba. Purchase tickets (starting at $120 in advance, $150 after 1 December 2008) from NYCharities.org.

If you can't make it and want to do your part to improve the lives of African children, there are a couple other easy ways you can help.

Help Goods for Good find those tons and tons (literally!) of goods that are going to waste by asking your boss, your friends, bosses and your friends' friends' bosses if they have extra stuff like communications materials laying around. Goods for Good is looking for bulk excess clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene products, etc. to donate to orphans in Malawi who are without these basic necessities. See the Goods for Good website for more info.

And, of course, there's nothing like a cash donation to help ship goods to children who have no one to provide for them. A little goes a long way—for example $25 ships 1,300 pens to Malawi! Visit NYCharities.org to contribute.

For some inspiration, watch their four-minute documentary above.